Chapter 158 - Rin

Konoha, Year 44.

The once bustling streets now appeared somewhat desolate due to the constant wars. The occasional passersby no longer had the lighthearted expressions of the past; even when stepping out, their faces seemed listless and hurried. The war had lasted over two years, and the entire village of Konoha was deeply mired in the conflict that had suddenly erupted. Not only the ordinary people but even the once lofty ninja clans frequently held memorial ceremonies to mourn their lost loved ones.

"Brother Hitsugaya, you're in the village too! That's great. Are you free tonight? Let me treat you to some ramen!" 

A young boy carrying a large package of miscellaneous items called out hurriedly when he spotted a senior clan member who had always been kind to him. He was no longer the insignificant kid he used to be but a recognized operative ninja of Konoha. It was difficult to run into this senior who had taken care of him, and he wanted to express his gratitude.

He had saved up some money from his recent missions, and it would be great if he could treat Brother Hitsugaya and maybe even...

As he thought about this, he couldn't help but glance at the girl beside him.

"So, it's you, Obito! And Rin and Kakashi!"

Hearing someone call his name, the fleeting figure turned around and saw the future villain calling out to him. Obito, now sweating with a large package in his hands, and his two companions made Hitsugaya smile knowingly.

"Even now, this kid is hard to dislike!" 

Compared to the future, Uchiha Obito was still quite popular at this time. Especially among the elderly villagers, his continued selfless help had garnered almost universal approval, including from a certain elder who had defected from Konoha.

Throwing these irrelevant thoughts aside, Hitsugaya greeted Obito generously. Despite the future changes, Obito was still very approachable.

"Senior Hitsugaya, are you back in Konoha for a break? And thank you for the training notes!"

Rin, who had also spotted Hitsugaya following Obito's shout, greeted him while bowing deeply, ignoring the package in her hands.

"Rin! No need to be so formal. Hitsugaya is my clansman, no need for such courtesy~" 

Seeing his crush being so polite to Hitsugaya made Obito's heart ache, and he spoke up pettily.

"It's okay, Obito!" 

Rin didn't heed Obito's comment, insisting on bowing to Hitsugaya to express her sincere gratitude for the training notes that had greatly benefited her.

About half a year ago, Hitsugaya had encountered Obito while transporting supplies back to the village. Knowing his heart was set on impressing Rin, who was struggling with her medical ninjutsu studies, Hitsugaya handed over his medical ninjutsu training notes to Obito for Rin.

Hitsugaya hoped that Obito could seize the opportunity, making up for his lifelong regret of failing to confess.

"But looking at the current situation, this kid didn't do as I instructed!" 

"Oh, Rin, you're being too courteous! I only gave you the notes because Obito kept going on about how much you've helped him~" 

Hitsugaya glanced at the idiot in front of him, noting how he squandered an excellent chance to express his feelings.

"You're talking nonsense, Brother Hitsugaya~" 

"It's only because you saw how talented and kind Rin is that you asked me to give her the notes!" 

Obito became flustered, stealing glances at the girl beside him while Hitsugaya felt overwhelmed by the young emotions on display.

"And Kakashi! How have you been getting along with your companions recently?" 

Ignoring the two kids, Hitsugaya greeted the silent boy, noticing he had become less cold and more human over time, likely thanks to his two companions.

"Mm." 

Hitsugaya found himself at a loss for words given the one-syllable reply, realizing that Kakashi had merely shifted from silence to a terse acknowledgment.

"Is Obito treating?" 

"How about we all gather tonight? I wonder if Brother Hitsugaya is free?" 

Rin quickly diffused the tension with a few words, managing to direct her two companions' focus elsewhere.

"Tonight? No problem, I'll be there on time! Let's meet at Barbecue Q~" 

After a brief thought, Hitsugaya accepted Rin's invite readily, even setting the venue, completely ignoring Obito's objections.

"Hey! I didn't..." 

But when Rin's inquisitive gaze fell on him, Obito immediately fell silent.